Ps. 76:0 Or, for Asaph. Either it was composed by the prophet Asaph; or composed by David, or some other holy prophet of God, and committed to Asaph, or to his posterity; it being usual to put the parent’s name for his children, of which I have formerly given divers instances. The special.

Is great, i.e. famous and renowned, and greatly to be praised and admired.

In Salem; in Jerusalem, which was anciently called Salem, Gen. 14:18, Heb. 7:1. Zion; largely so called, as it includes Moriah, an adjoining hill, or another branch of the same hill.

There, i.e. in Judah, or at or near Jerusalem. The arrows, Heb. the sparks; the sparkling arrows, bright and shining, swift and piercing, like sparks of fire.

Thou, O God; to whom he directeth his speech here, as also Ps. 76:6–8. Than the mountains of prey; either, 1. Than the greatest kings and emperors of the earth, which in prophetical writings are oft compared to mountains, as Ps. 46:2–3, Isa. 41:15, Jer. 51:25, Hab. 3:6.

Are spoiled of all that glory and advantage which they either had already gotten, or further expected, from the success of their present expedition, which they promised to themselves. They became a prey to those upon whom they hoped to prey. Their sleep; even a perpetual sleep, as Jer. 51:39, Jer.

The chariot and horse; the men who rode upon and fought from chariots and horses, who fight with most advantage, and usually have most courage; and much more unable were their footmen to resist or avoid the stroke.

Stand in thy sight, to wit, to contend with thee. Standing is here opposed to flight or failing before the enemy. See Josh. 7:12, Dan. 8:4.

Thou didst execute judgment upon thine enemies by an angel sent from heaven; which is said to be heard, either because that was accompanied with terrible thunders and earthquakes, which was not unusual in the descent of an angel, as Matt.

When God arose to judgement; when God, who for a season had sat still, began to bestir and show himself against his enemies. Or, after God had risen, &c. Or, because God did arise, &c.

The wrath of man shall praise thee; the blasphemous speeches and furious attempts of thine enemies shall serve thy glory, and cause thy people and others to praise and magnify thee for that admirable wisdom, and power, and faithfulness, and goodness which thou shalt discover upon that occasion.

Vow a sacrifice of thanksgiving; either at this time, for this wonderful deliverance; or hereafter, in all your future straits and troubles. Let this experience encourage you to make such vows to God with confidence of success.

Cut off; as men do their grapes in time of vintage, as the Hebrew verb implies, to wit, suddenly, violently, and irresistibly. This is all which they shall get by opposing him, and therefore it is their wisdom to bring presents to him. The spirit of princes; either, 1 Their courage. Or rather, 2.